My ratings by kids age

A nice small science museum - perfect for a winter day

The MoST is a nice small science museum that is a great way to spend a wintery day in Syracuse. The exhibits are well researched and well put together. You get the feeling that things haven’t been updated in a while, but as long as you don’t go back too regularly this isn’t really a problem. There is a great indoor play structure that was a hit with my older kid (although the loud air-gun bothered him). There is a large area with a rotating exhibit. When we visited it was prehistoric animals and was excellent.

Tips for Families

There is a small area to eat food/snacks, with some vending machines. I highly recommend you pack your own food and drinks because the options are not great.

Cicero, New York

My ratings by kids age

Wonderul Hands on Museum

The not so good first- lack of WOW factor exhibits all the time. Exhibits don't change very often. The good- My 4 year old daughter loves all the hands on exhibits, especially since we go to other museums and they are hands-off! The great- when they have special exhibits like Dinosaurs, Da Vinci Robots and The IMAX theatre is the best!

Tips for Families

I would definitely plan on viewing a movie while there. Parking sometimes is tricky on the weekends.

Campbell, California

My ratings by kids age

My trip photos

Science Museum in Armory Square

The MoST, as locals call it, is a nice, compact science museum in a beautiful historic building. When we went in January 2012, there was a large, animated dinosaur exhibit (temporary, but it comes back every so often), a very elaborate toy train, many exhibits about the State of New York, health, and the human body, as well as a large multistory indoor play area called the Science Playhouse. Our daughter wasn't walking yet when we visited, so we'll have to wait until next time to give that a try. Older kids will love the IMAX theater! Check the website before you go so you can catch a movie together. There's always a showing of The Polar Express around Christmas time, which we're definitely going to attend as soon as our daughter is old enough. Some areas of the building appeared a bit bare and under-developed, and a couple of the exhibits could have been more elaborate, but overall we had a positive experience. No matter what age your child is, the MoST is one of your best bets on a rainy day in Syracuse.

Tips for Families

Bring plenty of quarters to feed the parking meters. If you can't find parking on Armory Square, the hotel garage on the same side as Lemon Grass accepts public parking. The Murbro lot that used to be behind the MoST is now closed. Although it is just a small area comprised of a few streets, Armory Square is, in my opinion, the prettiest and most cosmopolitan part of the city of Syracuse. It's becoming an interesting place to shop, with small independent boutiques popping up here and there. Take some time to walk around and explore a little before or after your museum visit.

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations

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Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants

Get ready to blow your kids' minds: Within walking distance of the MOST, there is Sakana-Ya, a conveyor belt sushi place just like in Japan. You sit down, the food goes by on the conveyor belt, and you grab what you want before it passes you by. If someone grabs the dish you want, no worries - another identical one will make its way around the belt to you in a minute or two. At the end, you pay according to the empty plates and/or bowls that you've accumulated. This is the only dining experience of its kind anywhere remotely near here. Super fun! There's also a Starbucks and a Freedom of Espresso nearby for any adults who need to re-caffeinate.